Poznań’s Lake Malta will be the meeting point for runners, families and supporters of foster care on 25 October, when the Jesienny Bieg Charytatywny (Autumn Charity Run) returns for its second edition.
Organised by Fundacja Biegusiem, the charity run combines a 10 km race around Malta Lake with children's events and family entertainment. Most importantly, all income from race entry packages will support newly established foster families and training for people preparing to become foster carers.
A flat 10 km around Malta
The main race covers two laps of Lake Malta, following a flat asphalt route. That makes it suitable for runners taking on their first 10 km as well as those looking to chase a personal best.
The start and finish will be located by the grandstands, with an event village nearby offering food, partner stands and activities for children.
Younger runners can take part too, with children's races ranging from 200 metres to 1,500 metres.
Everyone finishing the main race will receive a medal, while prizes will be awarded to the leading runners.
For those who prefer to stay off the course, there will be plenty happening around the race. The programme includes children's entertainment and a concert by Polish singer Majka Jeżowska.
“On 25 October, we are inviting whole families to Malta. As well as the main race, we are preparing children's races, activities for the youngest visitors and a concert by Majka Jeżowska. We want it to be a day of coming together and meeting others, including people who do not run,” says Bartosz Jatczak, president of Fundacja Biegusiem and the event's originator.
Where the proceeds go
The event has a clear local focus. Funds raised through the race are used to help families welcoming children into foster care and to support people preparing to become foster carers.
Last year's fundraising helped finance the “Wyprawki na dobry start” programme. Seven families caring for nine children have received support, with assistance covering needs ranging from children's equipment and car seats to medicines, rehabilitation and small home improvements.
More than PLN 46,200 has so far been allocated to five families identified by Miejski Ośrodek Pomocy Rodzinie w Poznaniu (Municipal Family Support Centre). Two further families identified by MOPR are waiting for assistance.
“Every initiative that can improve the situation of children who have experienced harm is extremely valuable. That is why I am very pleased that the first Jesienny Bieg Charytatywny was so well received, and that today we can invite the people of Poznań to its second edition,” says Magdalena Pietrusik-Adamska, Deputy Mayor of Poznań.
Supporting foster care in Poznań
The organisers also want the event to give people a better understanding of foster care and the need for more families.
Almost 80 children in Poznań are currently waiting for new foster parents, according to the information provided by the city.
Foster families provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain with their biological parents. In Poznań, the system includes related families, non-professional foster families and professional carers.
The city also runs Rodzinne Domy dla Dzieci, a smaller-scale form of residential care for children who cannot live with their biological families. Fifty children currently live in these homes.
For international residents who may be unfamiliar with Poland's foster-care system, the Jesienny Bieg Charytatywny offers an approachable introduction to an important part of local community life. You can support the cause simply by attending, while those ready to take on the 10 km can contribute directly through their entry.
Put 25 October in your calendar
Whether you're training for your next 10 km, looking for a children's activity or simply want to spend an autumn Sunday by Malta, the Jesienny Bieg Charytatywny offers several ways to get involved.
The run takes place at Lake Malta in Poznań on Sunday, 25 October. The main race is 10 km, children's races range from 200 m to 1,500 m, and registration remains open.
For more information about foster care and becoming a foster carer in Poznań, prospective applicants can contact Centrum Wspierania Rodzin “Swoboda”.
See more: Dom Tramwajarza: Nearly 100 Years at the Heart of Jeżyce
Source and image credit: Fundacja Biegusiem, poznan.pl
